MISSION BETRAYED - Richard of York

In light of the re-interment of Richard III the time seemed opportune to retrieve / republish this poem of mine!

MISSION BETRAYED

[Redemore 22 August 1485]

Misjudged by many of my peers,

betrayed by those in whom

I placed my trust. Today

I sift through memory,

acknowledge scheming in my blood -

the unquenched thirst

of generations. Betrayal

led me to accept defeat

out of the very jaws

of victory. I clung

to pride.

***************

A Judas multiplied

was on my side,

in faith, I thought them

little Christs. Their company

made for me

a lonely ride.

*******************

The wetlands bogged me down,

Canuted by the rapid-turning tide.

Today I made myself

a pawn

for Tudors grasping hand -

Today I died a King,

upheld the remnants

of my dignity.

*********************

My crown was no more theft

than fate contrives

to thrust on monarchy itself -

Today I have my pride.

                       Malcolm Evison